Sustainable Construction: A case of Uganda

Author: Bosco Odongo, ACIArb

Abstract

To understand sustainable construction, we must first understand

sustainable development in its global context. The UN World Commission
on Environment and Development (1987) defined Sustainable
development as the “development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own
needs”. The easiest way to put it could be;

“We should leave the world a better place than we found it”.

Any sustainable development must satisfy the three pillars, that is; Economical, Social, and
Environmental pillars.

Construction is broad; buildings, roads, bridges, dams, telecom and water infrastructures, among others
are all part of construction. Sustainability in the context of construction thus means meeting our housing
or infrastructure needs without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own.

Therefore, Sustainable construction means

constructing in a way that, brings about positive
social benefits, protects and preserves the
environment, and gives the best value for money
or economic benefits. This means choosing
environmentally friendly construction materials,
construction methods, preserving society’s culture
and values, and above adopting maintenance-
centric designs to ensure economic values are
sustained over time.

In Uganda, some of the sustainable constructions have incorporated green energy such as solar power
systems, water efficient toilet systems, environmentally friendly construction materials like wood.

A “green construction” is a sustainable construction.

Word count: Less than the 250-word limit

Author’s Contact:

Mob: +256787167349 / +256703351316

Email: odongoboscoopira@gmail.com
(Graduate Member QS Chapter - ISU)